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Forget Your Keys? New Locks Activated by Internet Command

How many times have you been driving to work and thought "Did I remember to lock the front door?" Or who remembers coming home early from school and finding all the doors locked with nobody home?

Thanks to a new system, people will never have to worry about forgetting to lock their doors or bringing their house keys with them again. All you need is an Internet connection or a mobile phone.

The company behind the plan, Ingersoll-Rand (under the "Schlage Lock" brand name) has manufactured a system that allows locks to be opened and closed via Internet commands. Now, users can lock and unlock the front, back, and side doors of their home from a computer at the library down the street or using a friend's mobile phone.

Ingersoll-Rand launched their innovative product during the recent CEDIA Expo in Denver. CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) is an international trade association of companies that specializes in planning and installing electronic systems for the home.

All of the locks used in conjunction with the wireless locking system are battery-operated and are manipulated using a 4-digit access code (similar to an alarm system). Those who find themselves locked out of their house can jump onto any Internet portal or activate a pre-installed application on their mobile phone to punch in the access code and walk inside. (Source: usatoday.com)

What about hackers?

The company has assured potential consumers that the access codes are heavily encrypted. Once a user has established an access code, they can activate, disable and change the 4-digit number at any time.

Those interested in the system, but do not want to relinquish the traditional "lock-and-key" method need not worry. A set of keys are provided with the system as a "backup" source.

For $299 USD, users can purchase a Schlage kit that includes a lock and a "bridge" for wireless communication. There is an additional fee, however, which costs $13/month for users to have access to the application that allows the locks to be manipulated remotely. (Source: sfgate.com)

The first batch of Schlage wireless kits are expected to be available in mid-to-late October.